'I walked into a bar, it was an iron bar': Pub Crawl in Scunthorpe

Last updated : 08 October 2008 By Shrimpers24
"There is a pub 100 yards from the ground and KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Frankie and Bennies all on the same complex. Within a stones throw mate."

That's the advice I got for food and drink from Matt at the IronBru.net fansite and as time could be limited who are we to argue.

So there you go, especially welcome for Shrimpers arriving by coach, but for train travellers and those arriving by car, some tips here too.

The Old Farmhouse is the closest pub to the ground; in fact on the very doorstep. It is of course neither old, nor ever was a farmhouse. Used to be badged under the Tom Cobleigh logo, but then acquired by the Spirit Group and is now a Wacky Warehouse Pub! It usually has some real ales on offer but for the lads arriving by coach there's all the usual lager suspects plus John Smiths Smooth, Guinness and Strongbow Cider. Packed on matchdays - arrive early if you want a table and food.

It has no problem with admitting football fans - which is pretty sensible given its location - but stresses in its advertising that its licensing does not allow colours to be worn. That said, home fans in colours seem to get in and the bouncer on the door can be flexible with away shirts, up to you!

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newsearch.srf?x=486250&y=411250&z=1&ar=Y&isp=200&ism=500&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf&ax=486489&ay=411059http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newsearch.srf?x=486750&y=411250&z=1&ar=Y&isp=200&ism=500&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf&ax=486489&ay=411059

The Honest Lawyer
is half way between the railway station and the Blue Bell (see below). There is a restaurant upstairs, but it also provides a range of bar meals with the option of eating downstairs. Has Daleside (from Harrogate) as the house beer, and a superb range of seven or eight interesting guests, all from small breweries. The cask conditioned draught cider on tap was Addlestone Cloudy. Low key old-fashioned hostelry with a friendly landlord. The one I'm aiming to start at if the trains don't let me down.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newsearch.srf?x=489250&y=411250&z=1&ar=Y&isp=200&ism=500&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf&ax=489239&ay=411020
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newsearch.srf?x=489250&y=410750&z=1&ar=Y&isp=200&ism=500&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf&ax=489239&ay=411020

The Blue Bell Inn
is the usual fairly town centre location that Wetherspoon pubs frequent. It's on the way from the railway station to the ground, but only if you like long hikes. Recently refurbished. Standard Wetherspoon beer selection plus a better range of guests than the norm. There was a cask conditioned cider - Addlestone Cloudy. Patio at the back, which might not be of use in the week the clocks go back!
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newsearch.srf?x=489250&y=411250&z=1&ar=Y&isp=200&ism=500&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf&ax=489152&ay=411259

Finally on the way to the ground on the Doncaster Road the Berkeley Hotel which sells the rare beers of the Sam Smiths brewery. Massive red brick building popular with home and away fans, and only five minutes walk from the ground on the A18. Has a number of bars. Recently redecorated throughout. Mostly keg, but the Sam Smith's Dark Mild and Double Stout were pretty good and hopefully the Old Brewery is on. Ayingabrau lager and Ayingabrau Pils are two excellent lager options. Pleasant, and being a Sam Smiths the beers will be a real bargain.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newsearch.srf?x=487250&y=411250&z=1&ar=Y&isp=200&ism=500&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf&ax=487071&ay=411210http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newsearch.srf?x=487750&y=411250&z=1&ar=Y&isp=200&ism=500&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf&ax=487071&ay=411210

Look forward to it, now if that young Hooper can pick up an injury!

(Many thanks to www.ciderspace.co.uk for their help with this article.)